Program Description
Louisiana Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) is a program that offers affordable housing at a variety of housing units across Louisiana. While at first glance PSH is not specifically targeted towards low-income elderly individuals, Louisiana specifically identifies persons with age-related disabilities as eligible. Furthermore, four of the supportive housing units are designated as “elderly only”. For these units, “elderly” individuals are defined as persons at least 55 years of age. In addition to rental support, some locations also offer other supports, such as medication administration and transportation assistance.
PSH is administered by the Office of Aging and Adult Services (OASS) within the Louisiana Department of Health and is a partnership with the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC).
Eligibility Guidelines
In addition to the applicant needing housing provided by PSH, this program has four major eligibility criteria.
1) The applicant (or someone in their household) must have a chronic disability. As mentioned previously, this includes disabilities due to aging.
2) The individual must be receiving services from Medicaid, such as the Community Choices Wavier or Long Term-Personal Care Services, or services from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, or be residing in a nursing home facility.
3) The applicant’s household income must be less than or equal to 50% of the median income for their geographic area. Median incomes vary by parish, with the number of individuals within the household, and are re-calculated annually. Currently, 50% of the median income ranges from a low of $17,550 or less in Evangeline Parish to $27,500 or less in West Baton Rouge Parish for a single person household. For a two-person household, the range limit is $20,050 to $31,400. A complete list of income limits by parish is available here (on page 7).
4) The applicant must be in need of housing supports provided via this program.
Benefits and Services
PSH offers subsidized housing or financial assistance for rental housing in specified locations so that participants can remain in the community. Participants pay 30% of their monthly household income on rent. Other services via this program might include:
- Reminders to pay the rent
- Assistance with setting up doctor’s appointment
- Assistance communicating with landlord and neighbors
- Individual counseling that is solution focused
- 24 hour emergency services and crisis intervention
How to Apply / Learn More
For more information about the Permanent Supportive Housing program, visit the Department of Health and Hospitals webpage. Alternatively call the Permanent Supportive Housing Office at 1-844-698-9075. Applications are available online for download here. Make note, it takes 30 days to process a new application.
Applicants should also be aware that there might be a significant waiting list for PSH services. Those who are homeless, are at risk of institutionalization, or who are currently institutionalized are given priority.
